Chapter 1: Introduction to Watercolour Painting
This chapter provides an overview of watercolour painting, its history, materials, and basic techniques. It explains the unique properties of watercolour, such as its transparency and fluidity, and the importance of using high-quality materials.
Example: A student learns that watercolour brushes are made from different types of hair, each with its own characteristics, and that Arches paper is highly absorbent and produces vibrant colours.
Chapter 2: Basic Brushstrokes and Techniques
This chapter covers the essential brushstrokes and techniques used in watercolour painting, including wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, drybrush, and glazing. It also discusses the importance of controlling water and paint application.
Example: A beginner practices the wet-on-wet technique by painting a loose and flowing sky, gradually adding layers of colour to create depth and texture.
Chapter 3: Composition and Design
This chapter explores the principles of composition and design in watercolour painting, such as focal points, leading lines, and colour harmony. It teaches students how to create visually pleasing and cohesive paintings.
Example: A landscape painter follows the rule of thirds to divide the canvas into three equal sections and places the focal point at the intersection of the lines.
Chapter 4: Painting Skies and Water
This chapter focuses on the specific techniques used to paint skies and water in watercolour. It explains how to create realistic clouds, sunsets, and reflections, and how to use colour to convey mood and atmosphere.
Example: A seascape painter uses a combination of wet-on-wet and drybrush techniques to paint crashing waves, paying attention to the interplay of light, shadow, and colour.
Chapter 5: Painting Trees and Foliage
This chapter covers the different approaches to painting trees and foliage in watercolour. Students learn how to depict various types of trees, from deciduous to evergreen, and how to capture the intricate textures of leaves and branches.
Example: A forest scene painter uses a combination of wet-and-dry brushstrokes to create a variety of trees with different hues and forms, paying attention to the direction of light and shadow.
Chapter 6: Painting Buildings and Architecture
This chapter explores the challenges and techniques involved in painting buildings and architecture in watercolour. It explains how to depict different materials, such as stone, brick, and wood, and how to capture the architectural details and perspective.
Example: A city skyline painter uses a combination of hard and soft edges to create a sense of depth and realism, paying attention to the angles and proportions of the buildings.
Chapter 7: Painting Figures and Animals
This chapter discusses the unique considerations involved in painting figures and animals in watercolour. It explains how to capture the human form, animal anatomy, and movement, and how to use colour and brushstrokes to convey character and emotion.
Example: A wildlife painter uses a combination of glazing and wet-on-wet techniques to paint a tiger, paying attention to the subtle nuances of its fur and facial expressions.
